Lee Mannikko - Handcrafted Jewelry

I have a deep love of the ocean, from the golden beaches and blustery cliffs to the playful waves and awe inspiring richly colored sea creatures in the deep blue depths. I go to the ocean shore and watch the waves roll onto the beach, and in the surf I find the waves gentle motion sets my mind free to absorb the beauty of all my surroundings. When I dive, all the ocean life glides by me as the water gently envelops each of us in this underwater world and gives me a sense of peace that I do not find anywhere else. All of this is my muse and it gives me a natural euphoria that I can transcend to my art. I know that this is a very special place and in my art I try to bring that wonderland back by creating underwater glass scenes so that others can be transported there too. I sculpt hot glass in rich colors to convey my interpretation of the essence of this ocean world.
In my jewelry designs, the natural flora of the islands, and their rich hues of color inspire my work. I seek to create one of a kind pieces using a broad color spectrum as my creative tool. I like to use natural elements of the beaches and earth such as shells, coral, sea glass, gemstones, pearls and mix it with my own glass and wire creations.